The Federal Government has announced the release of ₦50 billion to settle outstanding earned allowances owed to academic staff in federal universities. However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has challenged the claim, asserting that it has yet to receive any official confirmation of the funds.
This development was disclosed in a press release titled “FG Releases ₦50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olagunji Alausa, the ₦50 billion disbursement demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to resolving persistent issues surrounding university staff welfare.
“The Honourable Minister of Education… announces the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government… for the settlement of earned allowances,” the statement noted.
Dr Alausa also lauded the cooperation of university unions, attributing the ongoing stability in the academic calendar to their support.
“We are witnessing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history,” he said. Quoting President Tinubu, he added, “Keeping our children in school is not negotiable.”
ASUU Disputes Claim of Payment
Despite the government’s declaration, ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed scepticism in an interview with SaharaReporters. He stated that the union had neither received any official documentation nor observed any bank transfers to support the government’s claim.
“You said that the government released the ₦50 billion to ASUU, but why are you bringing other staff? Every union negotiates for its members,” Osodeke remarked. “We are aware of the announcement, but until we see evidence, we won’t believe them.”
Background: A History of Disputes
ASUU and other university unions have repeatedly clashed with the Federal Government over unmet demands, particularly regarding earned academic allowances and poor funding of public universities. A prolonged eight-month strike in 2022 led to the imposition of a ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
In October 2023, President Tinubu approved the release of four months’ worth of withheld salaries to university lecturers as a goodwill gesture amid sweeping economic reforms.
The Ministry of Education has described the ₦50 billion release as part of the administration’s broader strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Still, ASUU insists that tangible proof of disbursement is essential before the union can acknowledge the payment.
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